Address by Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
On 28 September 2024, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, addressed the General Assembly during the General Debate of its seventy-ninth session. The theme of the debate was “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”
In his remarks, Cardinal Parolin emphasized that “peace is only possible if it is wanted.” He highlighted the need for collective efforts to foster peace and sustainable development, and respect human dignity. Expressing deep concern over the increasing number of global conflicts and the ongoing violations of humanitarian law, he highlighted the importance of diplomacy and adherence to international agreements.
Cardinal Parolin further stressed the need to eradicate poverty and hunger as fundamental steps toward peace, calling for wealthier nations to forgive the debts of poorer countries. On human dignity, he spoke with particular concern about abortion, the practice of surrogate motherhood and human trafficking. He also called for the protection of migrants’ rights considering their dignity. Cardinal Parolin also discussed environmental stewardship and responsible use of technology, including artificial intelligence. He called for ethical frameworks and disarmament, particularly concerning nuclear weapons.
Addressing various international situations of concern, Cardinal Parolin called for immediate action to seek resolution. In the name of peace, he called for ceasefires and humanitarian aid. He also underscored the importance of democracy, human rights, and religious freedom, warning against ideological colonization and the erosion of democratic processes. Finally, Cardinal Parolin advocated for UN reform, urging a return to sincere dialogue.
Holy See Statements
at the United Nations
Statement by Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Summit of the Future
On 23 September 2024, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, issued a statement during the plenary segment of the Summit of the Future.
In his remarks, Cardinal Parolin characterized the Summit of the Future as a reason for hope. He stressed that the future should be constructed on a foundation of principles, including the God-given inherent dignity of every individual, the promotion of integral human development, the equality and sovereign dignity of all nations, and the establishment of trust between them.
Cardinal Parolin highlighted three key areas in his statement. First, he stressed that eradicating poverty must continue to be the primary goal of all future efforts. Second, he underscored that achieving peace requires the implementation of general disarmament, with a particular focus on the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Lastly, considering technological advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Cardinal called for a regulatory framework for AI ethics.
Cardinal Parolin restated the Holy See’s reservations on the Pact for the Future and its Annexes. In his concluding remarks, the Secretary of State of the Holy See stressed the necessity of genuine dialogue, particularly in the face of worldwide conflicts
Statement by Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the High-level Meeting on "Addressing the threats posed by sea level rise"
On 25 September 2024, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, issued a statement during the plenary segment of the High-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly on the theme "Addressing the threats posed by sea level rise." Due to a shortage of time, a number of delegations were unable to deliver their statements during the plenary session.
In his remarks, Cardinal Parolin emphasized the detrimental effects of climate change, particularly its contribution to rising sea levels. He highlighted how sea level rise disproportionately affects the world's poor, who are the most vulnerable. He called on all States, especially the wealthier ones, to take more urgent action with a spirit of solidarity, compassion, and justice.
Read the Full Statement Here
Statement by Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance
On 26 September 2024, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, made a statement during the plenary segment of the High-level meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
In his remarks, Cardinal Parolin highlighted the serious risk posed by AMR and the need for a multisectoral response to protect human health. In this regard, he echoed Pope Francis’s call for an “integral ecology,” which is “inseparable from the common good”. Prevention of infectious diseases is crucial, he stressed, including vaccine development and the promotion of hygiene practices. Cardinal Parolin also highlighted the need to address difficulties faced by the poor, including lack of access to healthcare and sanitation, which make them vulnerable to infection and contribute to the spread of AMR.
Statement by Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the High-level Meeting to Commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
On 26 September 2024, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, issued a statement during the plenary segment of the High-level Meeting to Commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
In his remarks, Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed the Holy See’s condemnation of the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons. He expressed grave concern for the current state of global affairs, and voiced regret that States are strengthening their nuclear arsenals. He called upon all States to accede to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and encouraged them to renew their commitment to disarmament measures.
Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the presence of the Holy See as an Observer State at the United Nations
Mass and Reception
with Cardinal Pietro Parolin
On 25 September 2024, Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrated Mass at the Church of the Holy Family for the Holy See Mission community and friends in New York. The Mass and reception that followed marked the end of a successful High-level Week.
The Holy See Mission would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who attended to celebrate this special occasion!
Annual UN Prayer Service
Each year since 1986, on the occasion of the opening of the new session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See has organized a Prayer Service for the United Nations Diplomatic Community and personnel, together with religious leaders from the New York area.
This year's Evening Prayer Service took place on Monday, September9, 2024, which marked the beginning of the 79th Session of the General Assembly, at the Church of the Holy Family. The Most Reverend David Malloy, Bishop of Rockford), delivered the meditation.
H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations; H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th General Assembly; and H.E. Mr. Philémon Yang, President of the 79th General Assembly, shared some remarks.
Statement by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia during the High-level Plenary Meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day Against Nuclear Tests (IDANT)
On 4 September 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement at the General Assembly High-level Plenary Meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day Against Nuclear Tests (IDANT).
In his remarks, Archbishop Caccia reaffirmed that the 15th anniversary of IDANT is an opportunity for reinforced global commitment to the cessation of nuclear testing. He stressed that the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) must be enforced and that the International Monitoring System and all associated verification mechanisms should be fully implemented. Quoting Pope Francis, the Permanent Observer underscored, “Now is the time to counter the logic of fear with the ethic of responsibility, and so foster a climate of trust and sincere dialogue.”
Life of the Mission
Welcome Fall 2024 Interns!
The Mission welcomed its Fall 2024 interns on September 3, 2024. This cohort, pictured below, will continue their work here until December 18, 2024.
First row/Seated (L to R): Vitória Volpato (Italy/Brazil), Dálida Grassetti (Dominican Republic), Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Miriam Mangiacotti (Italy), Lucía Caranti (USA)
Second/Back row (L to R): Jason Lancellotti (USA), Matthew Montes (USA), Michel Haroun (France/Lebanon), Pavlo Balagura (Ukraine)
Interested in joining the Mission as an intern? Summer 2025 internship applications are now open.
Below: Staff photo with Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the presence of the Holy See as an Observer State
Summer 2025 Internship
Applications are Open
Since 2015, the Holy See Mission has had 162 interns from 37 countries.
The internship program provides the opportunity for bright, Catholic, English-speaking college graduates or graduate students to gain experience assisting the Holy See in its multilateral work at the UN, seeking to bring the light of Catholic Social Teaching to the debates of the international community.
Our interns are integral to the work of the Holy See at the United Nations. They attend various UN meetings, conferences, and debates, and then prepare reports that, once reviewed, are sent to the Holy See’s central offices in the Vatican. Our interns also assist with the Mission’s conferences, receptions, and cultural events.
There are three internship cycles each year: Fall, Spring, and Summer, and eight internship positions are available per cycle. The Mission is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2025 session, which will run from June through August 2025.